Traveling to Europe is still a pending dream for many Colombians. Especially since 2015, the year in which the Schengen visa requirement for travelers from our country was lifted.
So if you are planning a trip to Europe for the first time, keep the following tips in mind. This way you can optimize your budget and take advantage of the wonders of the countries that you can enter, with a valid passport, within the Schengen territory: Spain, Germany, Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Denmark, Slovenia, Estonia, Finland, France, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Norway, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, the Czech Republic, Slovak Republic, Sweden and Switzerland.
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It is worth remembering that from November 9, 2022, Colombians can travel to the United Kingdom without the need for a visa.
Travel alone or with a travel agency
If you have not left the country and prefer to travel quietly, without having to worry about anything, it is recommended to go to your trusted travel agency. There they will organize transfers between airports, accommodation, excursions and restaurants, among other experiences. In the portal www.todoslosdestinos.comfrom the National Association of Travel and Tourism Agencies (Anato) you will find options to suit you.
However, it is worth clarifying that if you inform yourself, document yourself and plan your trip in advance, you will be able to travel on your own and without hassle. And so you will save many euros.
The papers in order
It is always recommended to carry all the papers in order and at hand: the ticket with the return date and international travel insurance that protects you in case of emergencies. Many credit cards include this free service, so check it out. You must also bring the reservation of the hotel where you are going to stay or the data and address of the person who is going to receive you and, obviously, the valid machine-readable or electronic passport.
They will ask you how much spending money you have and may require proof. You may also be asked to show your credit cards. The key is to show that he is a tourist with all the documentation of the case and that he has no plans to stay.
Buy the tickets in time
Getting to Europe from Colombia is the most expensive part of the trip. Being there it is easy and cheap to move. Direct flights leave from Bogotá to cities such as Madrid, Paris, Amsterdam or Frankfurt. From any of these points you can connect with any other European destination. And from cities like Medellín, Cali or Cartagena there are also direct flights to different countries in Europe.
The key is to buy the tickets on time. Ideally, four or even six months in advance, to find favorable prices. All airlines offer constant promotions, so it is worth subscribing to their publications and checking them constantly. There are myths about the hours when the tickets would be cheaper. “The cheapest flights are Tuesday at 12 in the morning until Wednesday at 11 at night. The most expensive ones leave from Thursday at 12 in the morning to Saturday at 12 at night,” said traveler and influencer Yan Stavisski, who calls himself a “travel hacker.”
And where do I sleep?
Again, it all depends on your budget. There are very cheap hostels that charge, per person and in multiple accommodation, from 15 euros. Of course, you should know that you have to share a room and sleep with strangers, and that option is not always comfortable. And there are modest hotels from 50 euros. You can find options for all tastes and pockets on Booking.com. Another option is to search for an apartment or house through the Airbnb platform, ideal for families or groups of friends.
fly low cost
Low-cost airlines rule the stop in Europe. Vueling and Ryanair are very good options, as they offer really convenient rates, even from country to country. The only thing to keep in mind is that you will not have an assigned seat and that the hand luggage allowed will be only one piece of maximum ten kilos. If you want to take a suitcase in the hold, you must pay an extra cost of between 15 and 25 euros.
Journeys between European countries or within each country are usually short. This will allow you to optimize time and enjoy more of the destinations. You should keep in mind that most low-cost airlines depart and land at small airports. (not in the main ones), which are usually far from urban centers. But they can all be reached by some public transport system and at good prices. The key is to find out in advance to know how to get around. And you must bring the printed tickets. Otherwise, printing it with the same airline can cost you around 20 euros, on average.
When to travel by train?
Europe has a sophisticated train system. You can travel by train, from city to city within the same country, or from country to country. This is a very good option for those who have time, since the journeys are usually much longer than by plane. For example, the average duration of the train journey between Madrid and Paris is 14 hours and 20 minutes; by fast train, it is a little more than 10 hours.
Rates vary. Very good prices are achieved by booking in advance, but in some cases they can cost the same or more than a plane ticket. A big advantage is that, by train, you can enjoy the beautiful European landscapes and there is more space for luggage. And they are more comfortable than a plane. They are recommended for those who want to save a night in a hotel, as some have beds.
Another advantage is for those who have long vacations, as they will be able to buy a Global Pass, which allows them to travel to up to 28 European countries.
Traveling by car between countries
Another recommended option, to travel between European countries, is the Blablacar platform. You must agree with the driver who offers the service, which will be much cheaper than the other options.
And the food?
Many fear spending fortunes on food while in Europe. And well, that can happen, but food also doesn’t have to be expensive. The key is to find out which restaurants the locals go to, which charge reasonable prices and are often better. The tourist or very famous ones are expensive. It is worth visiting the markets, to try the best of local cuisine at very good prices.
Another option is to buy bread, cheese, ham and fruit in supermarkets and thus improvise an entertaining picnic in a park or garden. It goes without saying that all over the world you will find McDonald’s or Burger King, where you always eat cheap. However, at least once, treat yourself and go to a good restaurant and let yourself be served to the best of your ability.
What is the best season to travel?
The weather is key. It is better to schedule between May and June (spring) to enjoy sunny, long days – the sun goes down after 9 pm – and more pleasant. Summer begins in June and can become very strong and even unbearable, as temperatures can exceed 40 degrees.
The high season usually occurs between July and October, which is when most Europeans go on summer vacation and take the opportunity to travel, which could increase the prices of planes, trains, hotels and restaurants.
If you want better rates in all tourist services, it is recommended to travel between the months of November and March, they are considered within the low season. However, keep in mind that winter has already arrived at these times, which can be very strong.
local transport
Rule out taxis, unless you have a generous budget or a lot of luggage. Racing can cost you a fortune. From the European airports there are buses (or trains) that lead to the center of each city (or to the most touristic places) or that connect with the metro; even, there are some with metro stations. Find out about the subway line where your hotel is located –or where you are going to stay– and buy a ticket with several tickets to use this system during your stay; so you will save a lot of money. There are metro tickets that also allow access to the bus system.
walk and walk
The best way to discover a new destination is walking. You just have to wear comfortable shoes, find out in advance about the places to visit and ask for a map, which is distributed free of charge anywhere. Travel guides, which are sold in different languages, will help you. Although it is better to take them from Colombia, because there they will be more expensive. It is also worth renting a bike for a ride.
What if I rent a car?
If you are with family or friends and plan to visit several cities or countries, it is very convenient to rent a vehicle. Rent is not expensive, but gas, tolls, and parking are. However, it is the best option when the idea is to take a group tour. You must bring your driver’s license and a credit card to have the vehicle delivered to you. It is recommended to purchase additional insurance to support you in any eventuality. And you must return it full of gasoline.
JOSE ALBERTO MOJICA PATIÑO
TIME
On Twitter: @joseamojicap